Government and Policy

Premier Wen urges officials to report assets

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-03-25 22:10

BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday renewed his call to combat corruption, saying he believes corruption could  destabilize social stability if it is not properly handled.

At a meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet, Wen mapped out a series of priorities in China's anti-graft efforts for 2011, as the government strives to prevent officials from committing misconduct, such as abuse of power and dereliction of duty.

Officials, along with their families and aides, are not allowed to interfere in or manipulate tenders and bid activities, according to Wen.

They are required to report their assets and the employment of their family members. Officials will also be held accountable if they accept bribes, either in cash, securities, or payment cards, he said.

Further, leaders from state-owned enterprises are not allowed to seek illicit gains through operating relevant businesses or trade, Wen noted.

China has made progress in addressing the complaints of citizens and reducing administrative costs over the past year. However, it still faces an extremely complicated situation in its development, according to Wen.

He pointed out that some long-term and short-term problems are intertwined within the country's economic and social development, adding that some social contradictions have become relatively prominent.

The problems, together with corruption, may threaten the country's development and stability if not properly handled, according to Wen.

Friday's call was a renewed push for anti-graft efforts by the Premier, who pledged in an on-line chat with the public in late February that the investigation and prosecution into allegations of abuse of authority, dereliction of duty and involvement in corruption by principal officials would be a "primary task" in 2011.

During Friday's meeting, Wen also promised to better safeguard the legitimate interest of people and cut extravagant spending by government officials.

Unlawful and forced land expropriations and house demolitions are strictly banned, he said, adding that the administrative system needs to be reformed to dilute the power of some government departments. Wen said that the agencies have become too powerful.

Wen also ordered the improvement of the efficiency of government departments and the enhancement of supervision of principal officials.

To reduce administrative expenses, the government will decrease overseas business trips and reform the system for government service cars, Wen said.

The government would also reduce extravagance in official business trips and receptions and cut the number of meetings and documents, Wen said, as he urged government administrations to make spending more transparent through publishing budgets.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang and Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection head He Guoqiang were present at the meeting.